Jnana yoga is a path of yoga specifically for those who are intellectually inclined. (But you might not find this path is for you just because you are an intellectual. Sometimes the paths we need challenge us in new and unforeseen ways.)  The jnana practitioner may have a strong faith (any faith) and a sincere love or devotion to their God. They may also be atheists or scientifically minded.  They may be kind people who are interested in providing service to those in need, or be interested in socially connecting with others. All of these aspects of the person may apply. However, the overwhelming movement of this person is toward knowing or understanding. They are always trying to “figure it out.” They may be so hooked on inquiry, trying to boil down the truth, that all the other aspects of their life get harnessed (yoked?) into this inquiry.

Jnana yoga (pronounced as “YAN- na”) is the yoga of inquiry of the self as a path to understanding. This path requires the student

1.do much studying of others’ and their own thoughts, and

2.spend much time in contemplation of those thoughts, to “check within the self” for the truth of those ideas

3. letting go of any false concepts and distractions that may hold the attention.

Jnana yogis and yoginis (male and female practitioners) practice by letting go of the emotional, social, and psychological attraction to the concepts they find in the mind, to allow the mind to become completely clear of all “pull” from the ideas that are outside their clear mind. Reason would be one key tool, but even reason can be held onto with emotional pull and a historical devotion.

There are three classical orders of thought that the jnana yogi would explore and work through in one’s own mind. Working from the third to the first:

3. Physical and material reality (what is real and what is not, separating the concepts and emotions from the “real”)

2. Abstract concepts and significance (how do we know what we know? What is there besides the physical reality, and how do we know?)

1. Non-duality, Oneness, The unity of all things (how to the parts make up the whole, how do I fit in with the reality that is known)

These are heavy concepts and the jnana yogini must be prepared to engage in this intense philosophical and thoughtful process. However, for those intellectuals who find the life of the mind is a way to the source and connection, jnana provides a rich and unique exploration without leaving the religious or non-religious beliefs and traditions you already have. Not for the faint of heart, the ability to look at the alternatives to one’s own beliefs allows the jnana yogini to renew-establish ones own trust and faith in God and/or the reality of the universe around us.

You may not want to choose jnana yoga as your path, even if you are intellectually minded, if you find your “mind wheels (citta vrttis)” turning too much. In other words, if you tend toward obsessive thoughts and do not find you “get anywhere” effectively, it is highly advisable that you seek a teacher to help you sort out whether you have the right disposition for this path, or need to look for a balancing yogic path to help you gain better clarity and peace of mind.

Yoga is the restraint of the mind-stuff, so we can live peaceful, useful and ease-filled lives. You do not have to feel the mind is shaky, disturbed, or restless to be “doing something.”

Tomorrow, check back for the next type of path. Do you love the life of the emotions? You may find something in it for you.